Auto race fan&#39;s noise maker

ABSTRACT

A sports fan&#39;s noise maker for use at automobile races or other events where auto race fans gather. The noise maker includes a noise making mechanism having a disk-shaped outer casing. Contained within the outer casing is a gear with an attached handle, said handle extending outward through an aperture on the bottom of the casing. A striker is attached to the bottom wall of the casing and extends upward and is configured to abut against the gear when the device is rotated. An elongated gripping portion typically formed as a lug nut wrench is attached to the handle. A representation of a race car or other miniature automobile is provided wherein the noise making mechanism is attached to the automobile. A pennant may be attached to the automobile.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a noise maker for use at automobile race events or other mass gatherings. More specifically, the present invention comprises noise making mechanism that is enclosed within a miniature race car and includes an elongated handle portion.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a sports fan's noise maker which is typically to be used at automobile races or other events where auto race fans gather. The noise maker includes a noise making mechanism, said noise making mechanism comprising a disk-shaped outer casing. Contained within the outer casing is a gear with an attached handle, said handle extending outward through an aperture on the bottom of the casing. A striker is attached to the bottom wall of the casing and extends upward and is configured to abut against the gear when the device is rotated

An elongated gripping portion is provided. In addition, a representation of a race car or other miniature automobile is provided wherein the noise making mechanism is attached to the automobile. Furthermore, if desired, a pennant showing the team colors and/or logo may be attached to the automobile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the invention, reference is made herein to the following description of an exemplary embodiment thereof, considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a right side elevational view of the present invention noise maker.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the present invention showing the device in an exploded condition.

FIG. 3 is rear elevational view of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is top view of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the figures, the present invention is a noise making device suitable for use at automobile races or other such mass gatherings. However, it will be understood that the present invention can be utilized at any mass gathering including concerts, performances, plays, recitals, etc. Generally, the noise making device comprises a noise making mechanism 12, a miniature race car or other automobile 14, and an elongated handle portion 16. In one embodiment the noise making device further includes a pennant 18 attached to the miniature race car.

Referring now specifically to FIG. 2, the noise making mechanism 12 is seen in greater detail. The noise making mechanism 12 shown here is a standard off-the-shelf prior art noise making mechanism. It includes a disc-shaped outer casing 19. (Although the casing here is shown as being circular, it need not be. Off-the-shelf noise making mechanisms in other configurations are suitable.) As shown here, the casing is formed from metal, but it could be plastic or other suitable material. The casing 19 includes an off-center aperture 20 on its bottom.

A gear 22 having gear teeth is provided and is located within the casing 19. The size of the gear is not critical so long as it is smaller than the casing thereby allowing free rotation. An elongated handle 24 is firmly attached to the center of the bottom of the gear. The diameter of the handle should be small enough to allow it to fit through the aperture 20. It will be appreciated that in accordance with prior art noise making devices, the gear is positioned within the casing such that the handle protrudes through the aperture. A striker 26 formed from an elongated piece of material is provided. The striker is formed as a flat attachment extending upward from the bottom panel of the casing and should be flexible enough to permit displacement which it makes contact with the gear teeth.

An elongated gripping portion 16 is provided, which gripping portion is connected to the handle portion 24 of the noise making mechanism. As shown here, the gripping portion has a generally circular cross section, with a knob end 17 at its bottom of a larger diameter where the user may hold the device. The elongated gripping portion 16 resembles a lug nut wrench of the type used to remove the lug nuts from the tire of an automobile. At the top end of the gripping portion is a recessed area 28 which corresponds in size and configuration to the handle portion 24 of the noise making mechanism. As such, the handle portion 24 is positioned into the recessed area 28 so that. it fits snugly and will not become dislodged when the noise maker is rotated.

The noise making mechanism 12 is attached to the bottom or to the interior of a miniature race car or other such model automobile 14 where in the preferred embodiment the noise making mechanism is enclosed within the inside of the body of the miniature race car. The miniature race car is modeled to resemble a full size race car and includes decals or indicia of the fan's favorite race car or race car driver. It does not matter from what material the race car is formed, although it will be understood that the most common materials for manufacture are sheet metal or plastic. The size of the automobile is also not critical, although it should be a size that is easily manipulated when the user spins the noise maker. The noise maker should be attached to the miniature race car in such a way and in such a position that the race car will spin freely and without wobble when the user manipulates the device.

The present invention may also include a pennant 28 affixed to the rear of the race car. The pennant, as indicated herein, may include the team or performer name, logo or other indicia of the race team or race car driver.

Now, it will be seen that a fan may grasp hold of the knob end 17 of the elongated gripping portion 16. When the user spins the gripping portion, the casing of the noise making device will be caused to rotate, thereby causing the striker to the contact the gear. As such, the noise will be emitted. It is further understood that the miniature race car will be caused to rotate in coordination with the noise making mechanism as they are attached to each other.

The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles and preferred embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to one skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction, operation and embodiment shown and described, and accordingly all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A noise making device comprising: a miniature race car; a noise making mechanism attached to said miniature car; and an elongated gripping portion attached to said noise making device, whereby a user manipulates said gripping portion causing said noise making device to emit sound.
 2. The device of claim 1 which further includes a pennant attached to said miniature race car. 